The importance of sunlight to a corn plant is paramount. Some people might even say that corn growers are in the business of harvesting sunlight, which will in turn be converted into grain. It stands to reason that sunlight hitting bare ground is like pouring money down the drain. That’s why, at Stine®, we develop corn products that maximize every ray of sunlight
Value of Sunlight
Just like water and nutrients, sunlight is key to photosynthesis in corn plants. Specifically, sunlight helps with carbon uptake, and when carbon dioxide flows more efficiently into the plant, it converts into and produces more carbohydrates. This then aids in the grain fill process by allowing the plants to produce more sugar and starch, resulting in more robust kernels for additional yield.
Advantages of Narrow-Rows and Higher Populations for Sunlight Interception
Planting corn in narrow rows and at higher densities allows it to canopy several weeks earlier than corn planted in wider rows. The corn is able to maximize every ray of sunlight, as well as every drop of rain during the critical late-spring/early-summer growing season. When the canopy forms early in the season, the plant leaves capture more sunlight and less escapes to the bare ground.
Another lesser-known benefit to high-density planting is erosion control. When rain hits a thick canopy of corn leaves versus dripping to the ground, the soil particles stay put. And corn that canopies earlier provides better weed suppression, making sure the weeds have a narrower window to germinate and grow.
Timing is Key
June 20 marks the summer solstice, the day where a corn crop will receive the most sunlight. Growers who were able to plant early are at an advantage because their corn crop will likely be at the ideal stage to capture the most sunlight, improving the photosynthesis process throughout June. The ideal crop stage to intercept the most sunlight is between V5 and V7, or at the canopy stage.
Yield+ Advantage of Stine HP Corn®
For years, we’ve been using our own line of genetically unique inbreds to custom build Stine HP Corn® hybrids. These hybrids are ideally suited for planting in narrow rows and at higher populations, and they produce shorter, narrower plants than traditional hybrids, with leaves that grow upright to catch more sunlight. Keeping sunlight where it delivers the most value — on a corn plant’s leaves — is one of several advantages of HP Corn. Additionally, these hybrids have superior standability and excellent disease resistance to ensure they stand up to the toughest of conditions — even the straight-line winds of a derecho. They also feature less biomass and more efficient water utilization, allowing them to thrive in higher populations.
To learn more about light optimization in corn and our line of Stine HP Corn, contact your local Stine sales rep.